Skiers Rejoice: Season Set To Open Friday

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – Just a couple of weeks ago the Bay Area was experiencing an October heat wave, but now it’s time to think about winter sports with Friday’s start to ski season, marked by the first resort opening.

When Boreal Mountain Resort opens one run and one lift on Friday, Marketing Director John Slaughter said the early skiers will be ready.

“People will be lining up at probably about 8 or 8:30 so they can get the first chair of the season, and everybody is out here to ski or snowboard, some of them to enjoy the novelty of being the first skiers in California,” said Slaughter.

KCBS’ Melissa Culross Reports:

Boreal strives to open for at least one weekend in October every year, and the resort takes pride in being the first in California to open this year.

Other Tahoe Area resorts will open around mid-November, and Lake Take Visitors Authority Executive Director Carol Chaplin said skiers will be able to find some deals this season.

“People are looking for the maximum value, and I understand that they can find those values in many places now, and we’re listening to that,” said Chaplin.

Chaplin said tourism in Lake Tahoe was affected by the economic downturn, but she adds that this year, things are looking up.